CEDIA (the Custom Electronic Design and Installation Association) has appointed international market research company Parks Associates to conduct significant and unique industry research on the residential custom installation market in key territories within the UK, Europe and Africa.

This extensive research project, commissioned by CEDIA Region 1 (the UK, Europe, Russia, Middle East, Africa, India and Pakistan) will comprise two defined parts. Commencing in June 2012, Parks Associates will carry out primary research into the U.K., which is the single biggest CI market in the region. This will involve an industry-wide survey to establish the size and scope of the sector highlighting areas of growth and opportunities. Results will be made available in October 2012. CEDIA has also engaged Parks Associates to undertake a secondary research project which will map the scale of residential custom installation in France, Germany, Italy, Spain and South Africa, countries where CEDIA membership is expanding.

"As the global industry association, CEDIA understands that well-grounded and detailed market research is extremely important for the residential custom installation sector," says Wendy Griffiths, Executive Director of CEDIA Region 1. "It will help ensure our members, prospective members and industry professionals can assess the business opportunity in CI and stay in touch with the market's expansion in these key territories. This is the first time a research project has taken place on this scale and the results we gain will add value for our members, helping to shape their own growth going forward."

"We are pleased to be working with CEDIA on this important project, as our past research has indicated multiple opportunities for custom installers in these global markets," comments Tricia Parks, CEO, Parks Associates. "Our consumer study, Connected Consumer in Europe, found that 20% of the broadband households in France, Germany, Italy, Spain, and the UK are interested in a home energy management service. The custom installation channel is in an excellent position to address this untapped demand for home systems. Installers have the opportunity to explain the benefits directly to consumers, helping to turn interest into actual engagement."

Parks Associates is an internationally recognised market research and consulting company, specialising in emerging consumer technology products and services. CEDIA has worked with Parks Associates since 1998, and the partnership has recently seen the company conduct market research for CEDIA in the U.S. As a result, they understand the sector and are ideally placed to provide high quality results for CEDIA in Region 1. Parks Associates will be providing CEDIA US and CEDIA in Region 1 with strategic insight, direction, and analysis on these emerging markets.

CEDIA is the Custom Electronic Design and Installation Association, an international trade organisation spanning three continents with a global membership of over 3,500 companies. Its members specialise in the planning, design, supply, installation, integration, concealment and control of automated electronic systems for the modern, intelligent home. They can install anything from multi-room audio systems and home cinemas to complete home networks and sub-systems which intelligently control lighting, security, HVAC (heating, ventilation and air conditioning), and even garden facilities, from lighting to watering.